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Sportswear designer sisters Dana and Hala Zubari are urging animal lovers and their beloved pets to put their best foot, or paw, forward on Saturday for a fundraising initiative for Bahrain Rescues.
The Tru Active co-founders, who both live in Saar, are staging an ‘I Give a Woof’ 2km walkathon alongside the non-profit organisation. The animal charity, which is run by 15 volunteers, use their own resources and donations to buy food and litter as well as to pick up, treat and rehome animals that have been run over, injured, or abandoned.
The group has already helped rehome around 100 animals – everything from Rottweilers to hamsters. They were recently evicted from a shelter and forced to find a new place to base the operation in the Northern Governorate. Funds raised from the walk will help make the location liveable for the dogs and cats currently in their care before new homes for them can be found.
“We recently met up with Bahrain Rescues representative Mojda Banahi and Eman Eid and asked them if there was anything we could do to help the shelter in any way,” said Dana, 36, who has a rescue cat called Sabzei and a Saluki named Kappa.
“When we learned that they had to move their shelter to a new location, leaving them to start at zero and build up their space from scratch, we simply knew we had to do something!
“Summer is coming and the shelter is getting hotter by the day. And, although Bahrain Rescues strongly urges the adoption of their rescues, some animals are there for some time before they find a forever home.”
The event will start from Water Garden City’s parking lot in Seef at 5pm and participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes earlier to be briefed on safety and the route.
Furry friends are also encouraged to participate but must remain on a leash throughout the event for safety reasons.
This is not the sisters’ first charitable campaign as they had managed to collect around BD800 during Hala’s ‘Climbing because I Give a Woof’ crusade. The 28-year-old, who has three kitties named Soya, Chia and Cashew, and an adopted dog named Chino, conquered Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, last October to help the group cover vet bills.
“We don’t have any monetary goals in mind for the walkathon, we only wish to raise funds for the new shelter and every little bit helps,” said Hala. “We also would like to raise awareness on animal treatment and ownership responsibility on the island.
“All of the animals at the shelter are rescues and the group is an emergency organisation that tends to animals in critical condition, ranging from discarded bait dogs to severely injured or abandoned animals.
“Animals are more than just a momentary purchase for your home – they are your family. There are too many pets that are purchased then abandoned when they no longer serve purpose.
“There is a huge responsibility when it comes to caring for your animal, and it breaks our hearts that so many are just left in a box in front of a shelter or even worse, found in a near-death condition, putting the burden of care on someone-else.
“We would like to see as many supporters there on Saturday in aid of Bahrain Rescues. Let’s give a woof!”
Tickets to participate are priced BD15 and include a Tru Active goodie bag with a T-shirt to be worn during the event. Those purchasing tickets today will be able to collect their goodie bags at the event.
Check out Instagram @truactivebh, by visiting www.truactive.me, Facebook Tru Active or contact 36383348 for more details.
